US warns Americans to avoid vacation hot spot amid quake fallout and violent crime

The deadly earthquake adds another concern for travelers as Colombia remains under a Level 3 "Reconsider Travel" advisory from the U.S. State Department because of crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping and natural disasters. Several regions carry the more severe Level 4 designation, per the State Department.

U.S. officials have also cautioned that foreign visitors can be targeted by criminals, including schemes involving drugs used to incapacitate victims before robberies or assaults.

Footage obtained by Fox News Digital shows the aftermath of the earthquake in Pereira, with furniture overturned and household belongings scattered across floors in one house.

Fox News Digital reached out to the State Department for additional information.

"We see travelers caught in these situations all the time," said Castellanos, who has visited Colombia multiple times.

He recommended travelers first determine whether their itineraries include affected areas.

"I always advise travelers to purchase travel insurance once they start spending the big dollars on big-ticket items like airfare and like hotels," he added.

"That way they're fully covered, but definitely look into it a lot more and just check on the airlines first."

Castellanos also encouraged Americans traveling abroad to enroll in the State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, or STEP.

The program allows travelers to register their trip with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

"You should think of it as a really boring travel chore that you should do for your mom or your grandma or your loved ones," Castellanos said.

"It allows you to register your complete itinerary in case something goes wrong."